temporary pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temporary pause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short break or interruption in an activity or process. Example: "We will take a temporary pause in the meeting to allow everyone to gather their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's only a temporary pause in the recovery".

The New York Times

He says he thinks the nuclear renaissance is only taking a temporary pause.

The New York Times

At 3pm there had been a temporary pause while Welby waited outside the temporarily barred great doors of the Cathedral.

Independent

Most (but not all) people would say you aren't really interrupting; you just asked for a temporary pause.

The New York Times

Hendy said: "The temporary pause in the programme has given us the space to develop a better plan for passengers.

The Guardian

Is this a temporary pause, the beginning of the much-vaunted soft landing or something worse?Most opinion on Wall Street favours a soft landing.

The Economist

But the chance of successful peace negotiations appeared more remote, after the UN announced a "temporary pause" in the Geneva talks until 25 February.

Independent

It must be noted, however, that our temporary pause in the golf conversation should not mean any serious golfer should stop playing right now.

The New York Times

It ended with a sweeping, largely unsupported conclusion: "it is imperative that we have a temporary pause on the entry of nationals from certain countries".

The New Yorker

If regress of any kind was happening, it would appear as a temporary pause in the forward march of the species.

The Guardian - Books

Interest rates for most borrowers are now at "around average levels" again, Glenn Stevens, the governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, said in comments that suggested at least a temporary pause in the bank's rate increases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "temporary pause" to clearly indicate that an interruption is not permanent and that activities will resume.

Common error

Ensure context clarifies what is being paused and for what purpose to avoid confusion or misinterpretations about the extent and reason for the "temporary pause".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary pause" functions as a noun phrase, where "temporary" modifies the noun "pause". It describes a short-term cessation or interruption of an activity, event, or process. This is aligned with Ludwig AI analysis of the phrase and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "temporary pause" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe a short-term interruption or cessation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. When writing, ensure clarity about the context of the pause. Consider using synonyms like "brief hiatus" or "short break" for variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the intent and scope of a temporary interruption.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief hiatus

Emphasizes a scheduled or expected break, potentially longer than a simple pause.

short intermission

Suggests a break within a performance or activity, giving it a more structured feel.

fleeting cessation

Highlights the transience and brevity of the pause.

momentary suspension

Conveys a sense of something being lifted or held back for a short period.

brief interruption

Focuses on the disruptive nature of the pause.

short break

A simpler and more common alternative emphasizing the rest period.

transient halt

Highlights the temporary and abrupt nature of the stop.

passing lull

Implies a period of calm or quiet within a larger activity.

short-lived break

Emphasizes that the break is not intended to be lengthy or permanent.

interim suspension

Suggests that whatever is suspended will be brought back after a certain period.

FAQs

How can I use "temporary pause" in a sentence?

Use "temporary pause" to indicate a short-term interruption, such as, "The negotiations are experiencing a "temporary pause" while both sides reconsider their positions."

What are some alternatives to "temporary pause"?

You can use alternatives like "brief hiatus", "short break", or "momentary suspension" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "temporary pause" in formal writing?

Yes, "temporary pause" is suitable for formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "brief intermission" or "interim suspension" for added precision.

What is the difference between "temporary pause" and "permanent halt"?

"Temporary pause" implies that the activity will resume, whereas "permanent halt" suggests the activity has stopped indefinitely.